Hundreds of fines for public urination have been issued by Dacorum Borough Council at just one layby on the A41, according to data acquired by the BBC. The figures reveal that more than 98% of all fines issued in 2023 were imposed at the laybys near King’s Langley. The location “A41 Layby” was listed in 762 of the 776 fixed penalty notices issued in 2023. The number of public urination fines rose from two in 2021 to 10 in 2022 to more than 770 last year. Dacorum previously said that urinating in laybys was “unpleasant” and that the fines were for urination, not “wild wees” in countryside or woodlands.
The council previously incurred criticism from Nick Freeman, who is known as Mr Loophole, after it fined Michael Mason for littering when he relieved himself next to an A41 layby in late 2021. Dacorum initially claimed that urination was classified as litter by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Mason’s fine was cancelled after he spent £30 on a letter from his GP confirming he had a prostate issue.
Other individuals have also been issued with fines at the layby. Tony Leach, who was travelling from Maidstone to his granddaughter’s 18th birthday, was among those fined for urination. Despite having a medically-substantiated prostate issue, Leach was issued with a fine. He said that he had chosen a location without causing offence and had been unaware of a nearby enforcement officer. Leach argued that the number of fines issued demonstrated a need for public toilet facilities at the site. Dacorum Borough Council and enforcing agency District Enforcement did not respond to requests for comment
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